How long has it been since you last made time for yourself for a walk? Have you ever asked yourself this question? You have been working endlessly, and you only think about work. When was the last time you prioritized your health over your workload? It’s a common dilemma many of us face—caught in a cycle of endless work, neglecting the needs of our bodies and minds. But today, promise yourself that it ends. Even if your boss tells you to stay late and gives you simple tasks like converting a PDF to Word, you will go for a walk after work ends. In the hustle and bustle of our daily lives, it’s easy to lose sight of the importance of self-care, neglecting our physical and mental well-being in the process. In the back of your mind, you know how it feels to go to work, focusing only on work, come back home, and regret that you skipped taking care of your body by doing some sort of walking or running. The truth is, neglecting ourselves in favor of work is a disservice not only to our bodies but to our overall quality of life. It’s time to break free from this cycle of neglect and recover our right to self-care. The daily Excel sheets, the responses to emails, updating the sales reports—the screen takes all the attention from you. From today, you will allocate a certain amount of time to parks. Despite their serene beauty and rejuvenating atmosphere, they often go unnoticed in our busy lives.
Everyone has their own history with parks. The connection builds when you start walking in a park; it’s like every step you take builds a memory. But when you get too busy in the world of work, you switch off the memories you had in the park when you used to go. Why? Is it because work is more important? It pays you? The park doesn’t pay you? Not everything that pays you is monetary. Spending time in the park does pay you, but in a different way. I am not going to talk about all the research and studies that talk about the benefits of walking or running or spending time in nature. It indeed has research that backs up the amazing benefits we get from walking in nature. When you build a daily habit of doing some form of cardio and that too in a nature-centric place like the park, your body will thank you in the long run.
Walk Away Stress: Nature's Remedy for Busy Minds
How foolish it is for us to allow ourselves to be consumed by the stress of work when a simple solution is within reach. How do we combat stress, you may ask? Think about it—do you know anyone who dislikes nature? Since childhood, the sight of greenery, trees, and nature has always brought us a sense of calm and satisfaction. It’s ingrained in our very beings. So, when you visit a park, you naturally soothe your mind. It becomes a battle between stress and serenity, with the added fulfilment of achieving a moment of peace through walking. Stress retreats, even if only momentarily. You conquer it. You’re already aware of these truths. But perhaps it’s time to motivate yourself to take that walk.
Finding Joy in Every Step
The best feeling begins the moment you slip on your shoes and step out of your door with a motivated and energetic spirit. You hold the anticipation of covering a significant distance on foot. The fresh air welcomes you, stimulating your senses, whether it’s the cool morning air or the soft wind rustling through the leaves of trees. It just feels amazing. As you walk, your body begins to release sweat, a clear sign of movement and activity. You notice people passing by, some outpacing you with more laps completed, their determination fuelling your own motivation. Watching children play brings a smile to your face, reminding memories of your own childhood and reminding you that the child within you is still alive. Why be serious all the time? Accept the fun side and that playful spirit—it not only calms your mind but also makes you more approachable to others. As you continue your walk and make these observations, thoughts of work cross your mind, with deadlines looming for tomorrow. But for now, you set those thoughts aside and fully immerse yourself in the present moment, relishing every step of the walk.
Buddy Up for Better Health
As you continue your walk, thoughts of self-care and well-being occupy your mind, prompting reflection on how to achieve a balanced lifestyle. It’s important to be well-rounded in life, including work, rest, and social connections, but don’t overlook the care of your own body. If you think you spend too much time alone at work, here’s an idea: ask a colleague or a friend or a family member to join you for walks in the park. Just like having a gym buddy, it can add some fun and motivation. When someone else is walking with you, it can feel like a friendly competition to keep going and be a good friend too. Maybe you plan to walk for 30 minutes a day, but with a partner, you might end up walking longer. It’s a healthy challenge. And if you’re getting tired of walking in the same place, why not try different routes or explore new parks? Each walk brings new memories.
When you prioritize walking and take care of your health, you naturally become conscious of your eating habits too. You have built and developed this routine of walking which is a commitment to your well-being. So when a colleague offers you to have a lunch break in a fast-food chain, you will pause yourself and think about the potential consequences. You are more aware of the newfound dedication to health-conscious choices that extend beyond exercise to include dietary decisions.
Prioritizing Health in a Busy World
Now, when do you find time to walk? For a busy professional, time seems to slip away fast. One option is to seize the morning by waking up early and starting your day with a beneficial activity. This will not only calm your mind and body but also help you focus better on work, addressing the need to prioritize self-care from the get-go. Alternatively, after a long workday, a stroll in the park offers a chance to unwind; you’ll release all the tensions from a hectic workday. It can be a good transition from the professional sphere to personal time, allowing for reflection and relaxation alone after a heavy day. If you are suffering from a demanding schedule, a quick break during office hours can be the perfect relief. Thirty minutes devoted to a lone walk amidst the workday hustle can reenergize and revitalize, enhancing productivity and overall well-being. Whatever the time of day, taking a walk in the park has benefits beyond physical activity: it’s a psychological haven, a little peaceful period in the middle of the chaos, and a gentle reminder to put self-care first despite life’s responsibilities.
Sleep Tight, Walk Right
Have I mentioned the benefits of sleep when you start walking in the park and adopt a healthy lifestyle? No doubt that it significantly impacts your quality of sleep. Establishing a healthy routine and connecting with nature, reclining in sunlight and breathing fresh air, can positively impact your body’s internal clock. It not only helps your physical health but also promotes your sleep routine. You’ll wake up refreshed, which can ultimately improve your work performance.
So make time to walk to revitalize your mind and body.
Remember the timeless wisdom of Ralph Waldo Emerson: ‘The first wealth is health.’